Group Photo：2024 APEC Forum on Women and Youth Empowerment

To promote inter-regional educational cooperation and strengthen economic development, the Ministry of Education is holding the “2024 APEC Women and Youth Empowerment Forum: Promoting Innovative Education and Enhancing Labor Skills for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future,” which officially commences today (November 13th). Approximately 80 participants, including youth from 16 APEC economies and students from our country, have gathered in Taipei for three days of exchange activities. The forum focuses on innovative education, empowering youth and women, and collaboratively promoting sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in the APEC region.

In his opening remarks, Kao-Hsien Liao, Director of the Department of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, will highlight the rapidly changing global economic environment, particularly in light of ongoing economic transformation and stress the key role of innovative education and labor skills in addressing future challenges. The forum will create new opportunities for women and youth in education, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary skill development, further promoting inclusive development in the APEC region. This forum is not only a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences but also an important opportunity to drive educational innovation and strengthen industry connections, with the aim of injecting new vitality into economic prosperity.

The forum will commence with a performance by the Taiwan Acrobatics Troupe, showcasing Taiwan’s cultural vibrancy. This will be followed by two keynote speeches. The first will feature Professor Sara Hubberstey from Algonquin College of Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centered Design, Canada, discussing "Innovative Education and Labor Skill Enhancement." The second will focus on "Entrepreneurial Education for Youth and Women," with 886 Studios sharing insights on promoting entrepreneurial spirit through innovative methods. The afternoon session will include a policy-sharing segment led by the Youth Development Agency of the Ministry of Education, introducing the U-start program and demonstrating specific measures to support youth entrepreneurship. A seminar discussion centered on "Promoting Regional Development through Innovative Business Models" will feature three experts from the fields of circular economy, green technology, and artificial intelligence sharing their insights and practical examples.

On the second day, a symposium will invite several professionals to explore the crucial role women can play in STEM fields from various perspectives, including technology and entrepreneurship. Female entrepreneurs from different sectors will share their valuable experiences and resources from their entrepreneurial journeys. Representatives from Peru, Chile, and New Zealand will introduce their countries' innovative initiatives for empowering women and youth.

The final day of the forum includes site visits to gain a deeper understanding of successful cases in promoting non-profit organizations and sustainable education in our country. Participants will visit the NPO HUB Taipei in the morning and then proceed to the ZA share in the afternoon to hear from female entrepreneurs and engage in discussions, bringing the forum to a successful conclusion.

The 2024 APEC Forum on Women and Youth Empowerment: Advancing Innovative Education and Enhancing Workforce Skills for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future is hosted by the Ministry of Education and organized by the National Taipei University of Technology. Through this forum, participants will be able to establish cross-national connections and inspire more innovation and collaboration opportunities, contributing to the promotion of educational innovation and economic growth in the APEC region.